Cofilín

Cofilín is a protein found in eukaryotic cells. It is a member of the actin-binding protein superfamily and plays a crucial role in regulating the organization and dynamics of actin filaments. Actin filaments are essential components of the cytoskeleton, providing structural support, enabling cell movement, and participating in intracellular transport. Cofilín acts by binding to actin monomers and filaments, promoting their disassembly and severing existing filaments. This activity is vital for remodeling the actin cytoskeleton in response to cellular signals and for processes such as cell division, muscle contraction, and cell migration.

The activity of cofilín is tightly regulated by post-translational modifications, particularly phosphorylation. Phosphorylated cofilín is generally inactive and unable to bind to actin. Dephosphorylation by specific phosphatases reactivates cofilín, allowing it to perform its actin-disrupting functions. This dynamic regulation ensures that actin cytoskeleton remodeling occurs at the right time and place within the cell. Aberrant cofilín activity has been linked to various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, highlighting its importance in cellular health and function. Its precise mechanisms of action and regulatory pathways are areas of ongoing research.